Makhachev's coach says UFC 330 win could cement his place among MMA's greatest
Coach Javier Mendez argues that Islam Makhachev's upcoming welterweight title defense could place him in the debate over the sport's all-time greatest fighter.
Islam Makhachev will defend his welterweight championship against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 on Aug. 15 in Philadelphia. The bout marks Makhachev’s first defense of the welterweight belt after winning it from Jack Della Maddalena, and follows four consecutive lightweight title defenses that set a record in that division.
Long-time coach Javier Mendez told MMA Fighting that Makhachev’s achievements across two weight classes merit consideration as one of the sport’s greatest. > "The sky’s the limit as to how far he’s going to go. My opinion, I think he’s bordering on close to being the greatest of all-time," Mendez said. He added that a victory over Garry would strengthen the case, noting the fighter’s ability to dominate opponents and his disciplined approach to training.
Mendez also praised Garry, describing him as a faster and more well-rounded contender than other recent challengers. > "I’m very impressed with him. He’s a serious contender and more well-rounded than Michael Morales or Carlos Prates," the coach said, while acknowledging the difficulty of the matchup.
The coach emphasized Makhachev’s willingness to follow guidance from his team, including former champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, and his reputation for executing game plans without deviation. > "He’s low maintenance and easily dictates how he should fight. He listens to the coaches and does what’s right," Mendez said.
Makhachev enters the fight as the betting favorite, but Mendez cautioned that no outcome is certain in mixed-martial-arts competition.